LTHOUGH US President Donald Trump has two more years in the White House, the resounding Democratic victory in Tuesday’s midterm elections, handing both Houses of Congress to the latter party, will have a definite impact on how the American leader deals with both internal issues and foreign relations. For one, the Democrats will step up legislative scrutiny of Mr Trump’s domestic agenda, as well as his dealings with foreign states. It is likely that many countries, including Pakistan, might have to recalibrate their policies accordingly. The Trump administration’s relationship with Pakistan has been quite warm, with the American president frequently praising this country’s civil and military leadership publicly. Pakistan’s leadership has returned the compliment, heaping praise on the US leader at international fora, even nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize. But with the Democrats clawing back power in Congress, changes in America’s approach to global engagement are likely to occur.
Traditionally, the relationship between Pakistan and the Democrats has been complicated, and the country has had an easier time working with the Republicans. For example, bilateral ties during Joe Biden’s administration ranged from lukewarm to ambivalent. Matters changed significantly when Mr Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Washington’s interest in Pakistan’s crypto and minerals sectors is largely seen as a by-product of the American president’s close ties with the country’s rulers. But as the White House’s internal and external dealings come under greater scrutiny when a Democratled Congress starts business in January, Pakistan should be prepared for attitudes to change and not necessarily for the better. America’s hesitation to entertain Pakistan’s request for a $10bn Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility could be a telling sign in this regard.
However, even with the Democrats controlling Congress, Pakistan-US ties do not have to nosedive. While relations over the decades have been largely transactional fighting communism, terrorism, etc Pakistan should focus on building institutional relations with the US that can weather the storms in Washington. It is true that warm personal ties with whoever occupies the White House can improve relations to a considerable extent. But Pakistan should work with all tiers of the US government an association that should be based on mutual respect and benefit. Above all, Pakistan must keep its own interest paramount. Durable ties with the US are important, but they should not come at the expense of Pakistan’s other vital relationships, in particular with China. In fact, in the long term, it is in America’s own interest to adopt a more balanced approach in South Asia for the sake of regional stability.